Photo Courtesy K24

Raila Odinga’s 2022 presidential running mate Martha Karua's rally in Kisii county ended abruptly after teargas exploded at the podium.

In a video seen by K24 Digital, the teargas canister exploded moments as the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition presidential running mate was taking to the stage to address thousands of residents who had turned up.

The Narc-Kenya leader was rushed to safety together with Raila Odinga’s wife Ida Odinga who was in attendance.

Thousands of residents who had gathered at the stadium were forced to scamper for safety with some breaking chairs and throwing the meeting into disarray.

Taking to social media, the ODM Director of Communication Philip Etale alleged that a police officer in plain cloth was the one responsible for the mayhem.

“The incident at Gusii Stadium where a suspected police officer in plain clothes lobbed a tear-gas canister at the dais just as our deputy presidential candidate Martha Karua had begun addressing wananchi is uncalled for and the culprit should be arrested and made to face the law,” Etale said in a Twitter post.

Before the arrival of Martha Karua and Mama Ida, there was tension between supporters of Kisii Governor James Ongwae and those of Simba Arati who is eying the governorship position.

At one point, the youths clashed with the police officers at the entrance to Kisii Stadium as pro-Arati supporters tried to force their way into the stadium. Source: K24